Staged Water Manifold Control for Part-Load Heat Pump Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water source heat pumps are less efficient than desired due to high power and water consumption, particularly in part-load conditions, as they require constant fluid flow through all condensers regardless of operating compressors, leading to unnecessary pump energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage fluid control system for water source heat pumps, where compressors operate as separate heat exchange stages with modulating valve control systems to manage fluid flow through condensers based on the number of operating compressors, reducing fluid flow and energy consumption by staging the operation of condensers and pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant fluid flow is maintained through all condensers regardless of operating compressors, then system reliability is improved, but pump energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid flow through condensers based on the number of operating compressors. The patent implements a multi-stage control system where fluid flow is staged to match compressor operation, transitioning from static constant flow to dynamic variable flow that adapts to system conditions, thereby reducing pump energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter of the fluid based on the operational state of compressors. By implementing staged fluid flow control where the flow parameter is adjusted according to the number of operating compressors, the system optimizes pump energy consumption while ensuring adequate cooling when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multi-stage fluid control system is implemented to reduce pump energy usage, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid control system into multiple stages, with each stage corresponding to a specific number of operating compressors. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid flow to different condensers based on operational requirements, achieving energy efficiency while managing complexity through modular staged control rather than a single complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides full fluid flow when all compressors operate, reduced flow when fewer compressors operate, and can be adapted to different compressor configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized control systems for each operating condition, thereby managing device complexity.
3Loss of substance
If fluid flow is staged through condensers based on operating compressors, then water consumption is reduced, but system adaptability must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic adjustment of fluid flow stages based on the operational status of compressors. Rather than continuous variable control, the system uses discrete staged flow adjustments that periodically adapt to changing system conditions, reducing water consumption while maintaining adequate adaptability to different operating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control system automatically adjusts fluid distribution based on compressor operation status without requiring external intervention. The staged control system self-regulates water flow to active condensers, reducing overall water consumption while adapting to system conditions through automatic detection and response to compressor states.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration achieves significant energy savings by reducing pump energy usage by up to 97% in four-compressor systems and 86% in two-compressor systems, while maintaining system efficiency, by ensuring only necessary fluid flow through active condensers, thereby reducing overall energy and water consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The water passes through a condensing coil and removes heat from the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
The modulating valve control system is configured to stage a flow of fluid through the condensers based on a number of operating compressors
Implementation Method 3
The unit uses a refrigerating system to cool or heat water, which is used as a heat exchange mechanism to remove or add heat to the system
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect, as provided herein, is directed to a multi-stage fluid control system for a fluid source heat pump system. This embodiment comprises compressors configured to operate as separate, heat exchange stages, condensers each being fluidly coupled to at least one of the compressors by refrigerant tubing and having intake ends coupled together by a fluid intake manifold. This embodiment further includes output conduits coupled to each of the condensers and that are couplable to a distal location. Further included is a modulating valve control system interposed the output conduits. The modulating valve control system is configured to stage a flow of fluid through the condensers based on a number of operating compressors.